Punched Windows Meaning, Importance, & Drawbacks

Blog, Construction, Doors & Windows

When a building project is planned, there are a lot of decisions to be made. The Architect will have to find the most effective way to limit cost but bring the best design possible. Punched windows happen to be one of the topics of discussion.

A punched window refers to a specific-styled window in the exterior building design. It has a rectangle or square window installation that is different from others. Each window comes with its own frame mounted into the facade.

In this article, I will be writing about punched windows, their benefits, and their drawbacks. I will also answer other questions relating to them. So, let’s dive right into it.

What are punched windows?

Windows are important, but many people aren’t aware of the various types of windows and how they affect the look of a building. There are three main types of windows, namely; punched windows, curtain windows, and ribbon windows.

Punched windows are a specific style of architectural design. They have each rectangle or square window installation separate from each other.

This means, that they are particularly different from a string of connected windows or floor-to-ceiling windows. Rather, they look like they have been punched individually.

As you read on, you will understand better why punched windows have grown to be a popular choice and if there are any downsides to them.

What are the benefits of punched windows?

Here are some of the positive attributes.

1. Spend less on central heating and cooling

It costs a lot of money to keep the temperature cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That’s where punched windows play a huge part in the building.

Builders or building managers can easily get more insulation between the outside and inside. This helps make maintaining building temperature a lot easier for them. So, in the end, the savings tally up every year when the heating bill comes around.

2. Privacy

Privacy is very important, and people use punched windows as a form of outside access control. For example, a hospital may require a punched window in a room where physicians can meet with patients with total confidence.

As much as for high-level facilities where they would like to keep internal happenings or information private. This is also applicable in high-level security facilities like a prison or data centers.

3. Affordability

Another benefit is cost control. Other types of windows require more glass to fill the architectural plans, unlike punched windows. However, you should note that the amount you will save depends on other factors, for example, the frame used.

Expensive frames can actually put you on a higher budget that may even surpass the cost of other window types.

4. More customization choice

Punched windows allow you to customize the glass, materials used, or openings. For instance, if a room requires bulletproof glass for reasons best known to you, this is particularly achievable, without it being obvious to people around. Unlike ribbon windows where the section with reinforced glass will pretty much be visible to people around.

Likewise, it is also easier to customize the open and shut mechanism in a punched window. Whether you require a top hinge or side hinge, tilt or turn windows, punch windows allow room for customization. Unlike other types of windows which require uniformity.

5. Viewpoint choice

Because the standard window design has become too common, punched windows have become more popular. This is because they work with a wide range of architectural aesthetics. They give the architects a lot of options or designs to work with. Need I say, this can enhance a building’s curb appeal.

Are there any drawbacks to using punched windows?

While they have many benefits, there is one known limitation to them. That is; they tend to be nonfunctional for big commercial projects that have a larger span of window openings. For this reason, it is best suited for residential addresses or small building projects.

FAQs

What does a punched window look like?

They usually have a rectangle or square window installation.

Is a ribbon window more expensive than a punched window?

No, punched windows happen to be one of the cheapest types of windows.

Conclusion – Is a punched window recommended?

A punched window is a unique style of architectural design. This style punches a rectangular or square-shaped window installed individually.

Punched windows have grown more popular these days. Not only because they are affordable but also because they give privacy, allow customization, save cost annually, and improve the aesthetic of a building.

However, they are recommended for small buildings or residential addresses. They are not functional for commercial projects that have a larger span of window openings.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, for more interesting content, visit Samkinsconstruction today.

Thanks for reading.

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Samkins Construction Inc specializes in custom home building, general contracting, design-build, architectural design, construction management, and real estate services.

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